Standard: The school maintains and
communicates a purpose and direction that commit to high
expectations for learning as well as shared values and beliefs
about teaching and learning.

1.1 James A. Shanks Middle School
recognizes the importance of stakeholders' understanding and
commitment to the direction and purpose of the school, as well as
their input when establishing a direction and purpose of the
school. Therefore, the opinions and suggestions of the stakeholders
were incorporated in the process of establishing the direction and
purpose. Many efforts were made to communicate the direction and
purpose to all stakeholders so that they would be able to
understand the purpose leading to their commitment to helping
achieve the purpose for the school. The direction and purpose
statements are used as the foundation for strategic planning which
is evidenced in the school improvement plan.

The direction and purpose are
communicated in both formal and informal methods to all
stakeholders. These efforts include posting the vision in multiple,
visually conspicuous areas around the school, including the
school's website, during faculty meeting and department meetings to
place great emphasis on its importance. The direction and purpose
are also presented at parent meetings.

The vision,
mission and creed of the school play a major part in the
purpose and direction. The vision is to create a safe and
stimulating learning environment across the curriculum, which
maximizes individual potential and ensure students of all ability
levels are well equipped to meet the challenges of education and
life. With that, the mission is to ensure every student makes
adequate yearly progress. The faculty and staff creed encompasses
"integrity above all, selfless service and excellence in all we
do."

1.2 James A. Shanks Middle School
utilizes numerous methods to develop and maintain a profile of its
students and community to effectively implement the goals
identified at the school. Multiple accountability documents are in
place to track student progress in meeting goals. Standardized
assessment data are gathered to address achievement levels and
needs. Parents and community leaders attend open house meetings,
parent expos and other school functions to gain knowledge and
assist in working together to enhance and improve the quality of
education for all students. Suggestions of the stakeholders are
monitored from surveys collected. Information concerning events,
activities, programs, academic progress, accomplishments, and
accolades are reported through school and county-wide newspaper
articles.

Staff members were issued handbooks during pre-planning to document the
school's policies and procedures. Students were provided a
student/parent handbook and agenda book during the first week of
school. Student data is continuously monitored through the
district's online data program, and through bi-weekly progress
monitoring at the school level. The TERMS program is used to
document enrollment, attendance, ESL and special learning needs. In
addition to the traditional grade books for record-keeping,
teachers are also using a program titled Engrade to record student
grades and give parents access to their student's grades
online.

1.3 All activities and programs at
James A. Shanks Middle School revolve around its purpose. The
principal meet with the faculty and staff on an as needed basis to
ensure that a shared responsibility and school focus is
communicated. Staff meetings are held to ensure that the school's
goals are guiding the educational process.

The school administrators participate
in the district's annual summer leadership training that serves as
a tool for ongoing professional development.

To ensure that the direction and
purpose of James A. Shanks Middle School remains current and
aligned with state and district expectations, we include the goals
in our annual school improvement plan. The school improvement plan
reflect data gathered from parent, staff and student surveys as
well as feedback gathered at department, grade group, and school
leadership meetings.